(re)Startup 425: One-on-One Business Guidance to Help Navigate COVID-19

(re)Startup 425: One-on-One Business Guidance to help Navigate Covid-19

The economic fallout of COVID-19 has left no corner of our economy untouched, and for small businesses and organizations, navigating this time can be especially daunting.  To help, the Eastside has a great collaborative resource available: (re)Startup 425.

A joint effort between the cities of Bellevue, Kirkland, Issaquah, Redmond, Renton, and the Port of Seattle, Startup 425 works to grow small businesses and support entrepreneurship throughout the Eastside. In response to COVID-19, the collaboration has pivoted (hence the addition of “re” to the name) to focus on supporting small businesses and organizations during this challenging time by connecting resources and providing guidance. Here’s what you can expect:

Free One-on-One Financial Technical Assistance
Need help understanding what options are available and how to access them? (re)Startup 425’s Business Response Team can directly help. They’ve teamed up with Business Impact NW to offer free one-on-one advising, allowing anyone located on the Eastside to sign up for guidance from local experts on topics like accessing loans, how to apply for grants and tips for retaining employees. Sign up using the (re)Startup 425 website.

Connections to Community Resources
There are many sources of support and services for businesses weathering the COVID-19 storm, but knowing where to look (or start) isn’t easy. (re)Startup 425 offers a comprehensive online resource guide broken down by business type. Whether you’re a small business owner or a freelancing artist, you can easily see a list of options available for your situation.

Supporting Local Restaurants
Across the Eastside, restaurants, cafes and other businesses are staying open for takeout and delivery – keeping their employees working and our community moving. Alongside the Bellevue Downtown Association’s listing of open Downtown restaurants, (re)Startup 425 offers an interactive map to promote open restaurants across the Eastside. Any restaurant can be listed on the map for free, simply by filling out their online form.

Feelings of uncertainty can easily dominate any small business or organization during this time. But knowing what resources are available – and having one-on-one advising at your disposal – is a step towards the best possible recovery. Check out (re)Startup 425’s website for more information on available programs, and don’t miss the BDA’s Dedicated COVID-19 Resource Guide for news, opportunities and recommendations.